Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/23/19
Happy Hump Day, everyone. It’s a short work week for me but it already feels long. Hopefully we’ll scoot through this week quickly and get to the weekend.
I’ve been in my new house just over a week but there’s still plenty to do. Most of the boxes are unpacked but there’s some painting and shelf hanging in my future that I’m not too psyched about. Also I need to see about getting some custom shelves hung in the man cave for my books and CDs because I’m an old and I like to have those things around even though we live in the digital age. Oh, and I still have no internet.
But enough about my trials and travails. Let’s get to the news of the day.
Something Something Nondescript Big-Name Transfer Rumor
This is an…interesting…way to do a transfer rumor. Steven Goff threw this out yesterday afternoon:
Getting word Orlando City has taken some level of interest — who knows how much — in Brazilian right back/wing Dani Alves (out of contract at PSG this summer). Brazilian-backed MLS side says there's been no offer.
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) January 22, 2019
I suppose most MLS teams would have some level of interest in a player with the pedigree of Dani Alves. I think the Lions would have a great deal of interest if Alves would come play for the league minimum. However, it’s an odd way to put a rumor out there. At least Goff contacted the club to see if an offer had been made.
Alves is not a player who fits the current Orlando City profile and it would be interesting to see how they’d use him after signing the speedy Ruan. However, we reached out to our sources to gauge the accuracy of the rumor and got a response of, and I’m paraphrasing here: “Um…no.”
Can we get some attacking bite in the midfield, please?
Benji Michel Happy to be Home
Jordan Culver of ProSoccerUSA.com caught up with Orlando City Homegrown Benji Michel and the new Lion is happy to be coming home to play his professional soccer. Michel said at first he didn’t know he qualified as a Homegrown Player but signing as an HGP allowed him to have a say in his professional destination.
“I grew up watching Orlando City. I was there [when they were] in USL. My friends are here. My family is here. I have all the support that I need to begin my first professional season. I feel like me signing as a Homegrown player for my city, it wouldn’t be as difficult for me because I live here and I have all the support that I need.”
Pinho Signs with Thailand Team
Former Orlando City striker Stefano Pinho has landed in Thailand of all places, signing with PT Prachuap FC. The club plays in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand, and is nicknamed the Killer Wasp. Pinho announced the move via his social media channels, which later prompted Orlando City to release the news that the club has waived him, despite the news breaking a week ago via Jordan Culver (and Pinho’s social media). Pinho told The Mane Land that the decision was mutual for his departure. We wish him luck with his new club. #ForeverALion
USWNT Bounces Back with 1-0 Win in Spain
Christen Press scored the game’s only goal as the USWNT bounced back from a loss in France and won the team’s first ever meeting against Spain, 1-0. The United States welcomed back several missing players from Saturday’s match, including Tobin Heath, Julie Ertz, and Megan Rapinoe. Pride striker Alex Morgan started up top for the U.S. but could not inch closer to 100 career international goals. Morgs remains stuck on 98 for now. The USWNT will be back in action in late February and early March in the 2019 SheBelieves Cup.
Diego Officially Back with Flamengo
As we’ve been saying for a while, midfielder Diego Ribas made it official by returning to Flamengo with a contract renewal. The Brazilian No. 10 would have been a great addition to Orlando City but his heart was with his current club and from what we’re hearing, he’s not getting the big raise he wanted. In the end, it’s about being where you want to be and we can’t fault the player for that. We think he’d have loved celebrating goals in front of The Wall, but alas, it wasn’t to be.
Skinner Says Pride Compares to Birmingham
New Orlando Pride Head Coach Marc Skinner spoke to The Guardian and talked about how his new organization is a lot like Birmingham City. Both, says the skipper, are family-oriented clubs that place a high value on doing things the right way. He also said the Pride organization fits his personality and he’s eager to get the “project” started.
It’s really important for me that we connect with the fans in the stands, give them an identity, I tried to do that at Birmingham, so they feel a part of what we’re doing. This without the Orlando Pride fans is nothing for me.”
Free Kicks
- Former Lion Aurelien Collin has caught on with the Philadelphia Union.
- Former OCB and OCSC academy player Paul Clowes signed with Greenville Triumph SC of USL League One.
- Pride defender Shelina Zadorsky started for Canada in her country’s 1-0 win over Norway yesterday. Christine Sinclair scored the only goal.
- USMNT legend and Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard will hang up his gloves and boots after the 2019 season.
- Extremely awful news: Argentine Emiliano Sala, who had just transferred from Nantes to Cardiff City, was on a plane that went missing yesterday. Officials called off a 15-hour search due to darkness and were slated to resume the search today. Sala was a record signing for Cardiff City, which canceled training on Tuesday after the news broke.
- Cristiano Ronaldo was fined $21.6 million for tax fraud but will not serve prison time.
- Don’t get pranked by Diego Costa. He doesn’t mess around.
Diego Costa being Diego Costa 😂
[🎥 IG: filipeluis] pic.twitter.com/egnv9My7Af
— COPA90 (@COPA90) January 22, 2019
- Those born on this date include supersized signature writer John Hancock (1737), actor Randolph Scott (1898), Buck Rogers in the 25th Century actor Gil Gerard (1943), Rutger Hauer (1944), Cheap Trick vocalist Robin Zander (1953), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit actress Mariska Hargitay (1964), Saved by the Bell’s Tiffani Amber Thiessen (1974), NFL kicker Phil Dawson (1975), and Dutch / Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben (1984).
That’s all my time for today. Enjoy your Wednesday and the rest of your work week.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/8/24
Orlando Pride move up in power rankings, OCSC will celebrate Pride Month, Orlando City B plays tonight, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. We’re halfway through the week and I hope you’re doing well. Personally, I love Wednesdays, because in my job they are effectively my “Friday,” as my day off is on Thursday. So, as such, I love bringing you the news to start out your midweek morning. Let’s get to the links.
Orlando Pride Nearly Top Power Rankings
The Orlando Pride are at the top of the NWSL standings with 18 points, and are riding a five-match winning streak while staying undefeated so far this season. If you thought that would be enough for the team to top ESPN‘s NWSL power rankings, you’d be wrong. The Pride actually came in at second despite all the factors I listed above, with the Kansas City Current ranked above them. Even more shocking is that the writer admits he doesn’t have much of a reason for not ranking the Pride first. I’m not sure what to do with my hands.
Orlando Soccer Matches Will Celebrate Pride Month
Orlando City and the Orlando Pride will recognize Pride Month during a pair of matches in June at Inter&Co Stadium. The Pride are set to host the Utah Royals on June 21 and the Lions will then host the Chicago Fire on June 22. Both matches will include celebrating Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community and honoring the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting. There are plenty of additional events throughout Pride Month in the Greater Orlando Area as well. I will be at those matches and I hope to see you there as well.
Orlando City B Hosts New York Red Bulls II Tonight
OCB will try to follow up a result on the road with its first result at home tonight at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee. Forwards Yutaro Tsukada and Shak Mohammed lead the attack for the Young Lions as the club plays only its third home match of the season — and only the second at its actual home field. There’s plenty to look for from OCB as it takes on New York Red Bulls II at 7 p.m. Try to make it to the match if you are able.
U.S. Soccer Doubles Down
The battle between the USWNT and U.S. Soccer over equal pay has been going on for years. Now, U.S. Soccer has reportedly employed Washington D.C. lobbying firms to provide what the organization asserts are “accurate information and factual numbers” to policy makers. Spokespersons for the players’ associations of both the USWNT and USMNT expressed disappointment regarding the move by U.S. Soccer. The issue is front and center as two congresswomen have proposed legislation to block funding for the 2026 World Cup unless equal pay is enacted.
Free Kicks
- Were you wondering how good Barbra Banda has been since arriving in Orlando? Me neither, but here is a cool stat from OptaJack on her shot production.
- Orlando City fans know all too well how good FC Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta is at scoring goals. Now, the striker is in the process of becoming a naturalized citizen of the U.S. and expressed a desire to play for the USMNT. It would be nice to have him score goals for a team I support.
- Nottingham Forest’s point reduction appeal was rejected by the independent board overseeing the decision. Only three points separate Nottingham from Luton Town and the relegation zone with two matches left this season.
- I know that some Orlando City fans were hoping to see Thiago Silva join the Lions after he left Chelsea, but that rumor never made sense financially, and the defender has chosen to rejoin his old Brazilian club, Fluminense.
- It’s not often that someone follows up an unpopular decision with an even more unpopular explanation for that decision, but that is exactly what MLS Commissioner Don Garber did when explaining that the U.S. Open Cup didn’t offer a competition that “drives value” and that “rises to the level where fans care about it.” I’m sure everyone will now understand the decision. Well done, Commish.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/7/24
Barbra Banda up for NWSL Goal of the Week, Americans in midweek action, Champions League preview, and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was a mixed bag for Orlando’s teams over the weekend, as Orlando City B drew 1-1 with Chattanooga FC and lost the subsequent shootout, Orlando City lost 1-0 to FC Cincinnati, and the Orlando Pride won 1-0 over Racing Louisville. As usual, we have a lot to talk through this morning, so let’s dig into the links.
Barbra Banda Up for Goal of the Week
Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda has been nominated for the NWSL Goal of the Week for her strike in the 77th minute against the North Carolina Courage last Wednesday. Banda controlled the ball off a throw-in, turned, and drove across the box before slotting a low shot past Casey Murphy for the Pride’s fourth and final goal of the game. She scored twice in that game and scored again in Sunday’s win over Racing Louisville. Banda now has four goals in four games — including at least one in each of her three starts since appearing off the bench in her debut — and shows no sign of slowing down. Make sure you go vote for her to win this week’s award!
Americans in Midweek Action
As usual, there are a number of Americans playing games this week, so make sure you mark down any that you want to tune in for. Wednesday has Brandon Vazquez and Monterrey traveling to El Volcan to take on Tigres in the quarterfinals of the Clausura. Moving to Friday, Tanner Tessmann, Gianluca Busio, and Venezia have a chance to gain promotion to Serie A if they beat Spezia and Como loses. On the other side of things, former Lion Nicholas Gioacchini and Como play Cosenza, and will secure automatic promotion as long as they don’t have a worse result than Venezia.
UEFA Champions League Preview
The UEFA Champions League continues this week with the second legs of the two semifinal matchups. In this afternoon’s game, Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has said that even Kylian Mbappe will have to work hard defensively if his team is going to progress to the final. Borussia Dortmund leads that tie 1-0, and will need to rely on a defense that has kept five clean sheets in this year’s tournament. However, the German club has a concerning record away from home, where it has lost nine of its last 11 games. In tomorrow’s game between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, this season’s La Liga winner will hope its finishing prowess continues from the first leg, when it turned two chances into two goals.
European Transfer Rumor Roundup
With European seasons drawing to a close, the transfer rumor mill is starting to heat up, which means there are several items worth discussing today. First, Manchester United will reportedly face competition to sign Crystal Palace star Michael Olise. Chelsea and PSG are said to also be interested in signing the Frenchman, who was instrumental in his side’s 4-0 drubbing of the Red Devils yesterday. Staying in the Premier League, Virgil van Dijk has said he intends to be part of the transition following Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool, confirming that he does not intend to leave in the summer. Elsewhere, Bayern Munich is said to have agreed to personal terms with AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez. David Moyes has confirmed he will leave West Ham at the end of the season, with reports suggesting that the Hammers have reached an agreement with Julen Lopetegui to be the team’s new manager.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City held steady at 20th in ESPN’s MLS power rankings.
- Bruno Fernandes missed a club match due to injury for the first time in his career, as he did not play in Manchester United’s loss to Crystal Palace.
- Speaking of that match, the Premier League outfitted the referee with a camera for the first time in that game, with the footage to be released at a later date.
- Angel City FC will enter a team in The Soccer Tournament this summer.
- Will Ferrell has bought a stake in Leeds United.
That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/6/24
Lions lose at home, Orlando Pride win, OCB draws Chattanooga FC, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. It was another mixed weekend for our teams as the Lions lost, the Pride won, and OCB drew. As for me, I’ve been busy managing the broadcast operations for the NISA league’s matches this weekend and also got a chance to cover high school soccer, softball, and badminton. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Lose at Home to FC Cincinnati
Orlando City lost at home for the second straight weekend with a 1-0 defeat to FC Cincinnati at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday. Luciano Acosta scored the lone goal for Cincinnati just seconds into the match. Orlando City went down to 10 men when defender Rodrigo Schlegel received a red card in the first half. The Lions had some chances to get back in this one, including a free kick opportunity in the second half when Wilder Cartagena scored what would have been the equalizer, but Facundo Torres was ruled offside, and the goal was waved off. Cincinnati also dropped to 10 men late in the second half as defender Bret Halsey received his second yellow for a foul on Ivan Angulo and knocked the ball out to waste time. Still, FC Cincinnati found a way to hang on for the victory, securing its third win in a row. Orlando City will look to rebound on Saturday as it takes on the Philadelphia Union at Suburu Park.
Orlando Pride Win at Home Against Racing Louisville FC
The Orlando Pride defeated Racing Louisville FC on Sunday, 1-0, at Inter&Co Stadium, winning their fifth straight game. Barbra Banda scored the lone goal of the match and now has four goals for the Pride this season. The Pride remain undefeated in league play, keeping their unbeaten streak alive at eight matches (5-0-3). Orlando also moved up to first in the NWSL table with 18 points. The Pride will be back home on Saturday to face Bay FC.
OCB Draws Chattanooga FC
Orlando City B drew 1-1 on the road against Chattanooga FC on Saturday. The Young Lions trailed early in the first half as Mehdi Ouamri put Chattanooga FC in front 1-0. Later in the first half, OCB got an equalizer, with forward Shak Mohammed finding the back of the net to score his second goal of the season. The match went to penalties after 90 minutes of action, where Chattanooga FC won the extra point with a 5-4 win over OCB. Despite not getting the extra point in penalties, the Young Lions still keep their road unbeaten streak alive at five. OCB will have a quick turnaround with its next match at Osceola County Stadium on Wednesday against New York Red Bulls II.
European Soccer Roundup
Real Madrid clinched the La Liga title on Saturday, defeating Cadiz 3-0, while their rivals Barcelona dropped points in a 4-2 loss to Girona over the weekend. Madrid has now won La Liga for the 36th time and still has a shot of adding another trophy if it gets past Bayern Munich in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday to reach the final next month. Elsewhere, we had plenty of drama in England. Let’s start in the EFL Championship, where Ipswich Town joined Leicester City, getting promoted to the Premier League after a 2-0 victory against Huddersfield Town. Leeds United, Southhampton, West Brom, and Norwich City will go to the playoffs to determine the third club to secure promotion. Arsenal won 3-0 over Bournemouth, while Manchester City cruised to a 5-1 win over Wolves to keep the EPL title race tight. Arsenal is in first with 83 points, with two matches remaining, while Manchester City is just behind in second with 82 points and three matches left to play.
Free Kicks
- Orlando Pride midfielder Ally Lemos gave insight on her first NWSL start for the Pride after their match against Racing Louisville FC on Sunday.
- PSV Eindhoven clinched the Eredivisie title on Sunday with a 4-2 win over Sparta Rotterdam. American Malik Tillman played for 90 minutes, while Ricardo Pepi came off the bench and added an assist.
- USMNT midfielder Christian Pulisic put on a solid performance and contributed an assist for AC Milan in a 3-3 draw against Genoa on Saturday.
- USWNT forward Catarina Macario came off the bench for Chelsea in the second half and made WSL history by adding two assists in 10 minutes in an 8-0 win over Bristol City.
- Despite their manager Xabi Alonso being in the stands serving a suspension due to yellow card accumulation, Bayer Leverkusen dominated Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 and extended its unbeaten streak to 48 matches.
- Wrexham is reportedly targeting Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy. His contract expires with the Premier League-bound club at the end of June.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.
-
Podcasts2 weeks ago
SkoPurp Episode 40: San Diego Wave Rewind, Spirit Preview, and More
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City vs. Toronto FC: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More
-
Orlando City1 week ago
Orlando City vs. Toronto FC: Five Takeaways
-
Lion Links1 week ago
Lion Links: 4/29/24
-
Orlando City3 days ago
Orlando City vs. FC Cincinnati: Five Takeaways
-
Orlando Pride2 weeks ago
Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit: Final Score 3-2 as Pride Win Third Straight
-
Orlando City2 weeks ago
Orlando City vs. Toronto FC: Final Score 2-1 as Lions Blow Late Lead at Home
-
Orlando Pride1 week ago
Orlando Pride vs. North Carolina Courage: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More